Prime Minister Wants To Bring Apple To Build R&D Centre In Malaysia

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is looking for opportunities to convince Apple to build a research and development centre in Malaysia. The statement was made shortly after the Prime Minister visited Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, where he discussed a possible role for the company in Malaysian education.

It is likely that Najib is riding on the growing importance of Asia to Apple as iPhone sales begin to stagnate in developed markets. Apple has already announced plans to establish a research and development facility in Hyderabad, India earlier this week; the first of its kind outside the US. This could mean that the company is willing to expand development outside Cupertino, but it is unlikely to do so in the near future.

Apple is already investing $25 million (about RM104 million) in the Hyderabad facility, a significant investment for just about any company. While Cupertino is not exactly strapped for cash, it has been known to be very careful about spending funds from its warchest.

In addition to the R&D centre, Najib also brought up the possibility of establishing an iOS App Development Center in the country. These centres, created by Apple, aim to give students practical skills and training in building apps for the iOS eco-system. Apple may actually be interested in expanding to this side of the world, as the company has just announced plans to open its first App Development Center in Europe last month.